SOME - ANY

Some = a little, a few or a small number or amount

Any = one, some or all

Usually, we use some in positive (+) sentences and any in negative (-) and question (?) sentences.

Look at these examples:

a)       He needs some stamps.

b)       I must go. I have some homework to do.

c)       I'm thirsty. I want something to drink.

d)       I can see somebody coming.

a)      He doesn't need any stamps.

b)      I can stay. I don't have any homework to do.

c)      I'm not thirsty. I don't want anything to drink.

d)     I can't see anybody coming.

a)       Does he need any stamps?

b)       Do you have any homework to do?

c)       Do you want anything to drink?

d)       Can you see anybody coming?

We use any in a positive sentence when the real sense is negative.

Ø  I refused to give them any money. (I did not give them any money)

Ø  She finished the test without any difficulty. (she did not have any difficulty)

Sometimes we use some in a question, when we expect a positive YES answer. (We could say that it is not a real question, because we think we know the answer already.)

Ø  Would you like some more tea?

Ø  Could I have some sugar, please?

Something, anything, somewhere, anywhere, someone ,anyone:

The same rules are true for something and anything, someone and anyone, and somewhere and anywhere.

Policeman	Is there anyone at home?
Criminal	Yes there is someone there! My friend.
Policeman	Is there anything in your pocket?
Criminal	Yes there is something. A gun!
Policeman	Did you go anywhere recently?
Criminal	Yes I went somewhere. I went to the old man's house to steal his money.